Gov. Chris Christie says that a top aide misled him about her role in apparent political retribution against a town mayor and that he knew

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Messages out today link top aides to Gov. Christie to a seemingly deliberate effort to create traffic gridlock by shutting down lanes leading to the GWB in Fort Lee after its mayor refused to endorse Christie for re-election. (1/8/14)

TRENTON - Gov. Chris Christie says that a top aide misled him about her role in apparent political retribution against a town mayor and that he knew nothing about the situation.

Emails and text messages, released after a subpoena from state lawmakers and obtained by News 12 New Jersey, show Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly emailed David Wildstein, a top Christie appointee to the Port Authority on Aug. 13. Her message: “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee.” Wildstein replied: “Got it.”

Christie said in a statement several hours later that the behavior is inappropriate and that staffers will be held responsible.

“I am outraged and deeply saddened to learn that not only was I misled by a member of my staff, but this completely inappropriate and unsanctioned conduct was made without my knowledge,” Christie said. “One thing is clear: this type of behavior is unacceptable and I will not tolerate it because the people of New Jersey deserve better.”

The messages are the clearest sign yet that Christie aides were involved in closing access lanes to the George Washington Bridge. They contradict Christie's earlier assertions on the closures, when he denied that they were punitive and said his staff was not involved.